TAP System

GEO Academies uses the TAP system in its schools to ensure that ALL of its students achieve at a high standard—and that college can become a reality for all of our students. TAP stands for The System for Teacher and Student Advancement.

Using the TAP frameworks, our qualified teachers are able to benefit from approximately 12 hours of professional development and support PER MONTH—and sometimes more. Professional development is spread through weekly Cluster meetings with a Master teacher, individual meetings with a Mentor or Master teacher, classroom observations, and follow-up meetings. Support for teachers is individualized based on each teachers’ strengths and needs. The Professional development calendar and events are developed each year based on teacher needs—there is no cookie cutter schedule that is re-used repeatedly. Master and Mentor teachers are invested in the growth and success of all teachers in the classroom and assess progress of students through data, guiding teachers to create plans and classroom cultures that lead each teacher to success.

Each school sets growth goals for the entire school, including state test score goals and End-of-Course Assessment score goals for students. In order to meet these goals, master and mentor teachers provide extensive support and professional development to all teachers, starting from their first year. GEO Academies sets high expectations, and we provide a high level of support in order to meet these goals. We are a data-driven school—we use qualitative and quantitative data to inform professional development and support based on each teacher’s individual needs.

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GEO Academies also provides professional development and team building before the school year begins. Two weeks before school begins, the leadership team, consisting of the principal, master and mentor teachers, leads professional development and preparation for the upcoming school year with the entire school staff.

As a school network that utilizes the TAP system, we create a career advancement pathway for all teachers, which rewards teachers for continuous improvement of their craft over time. Our TAP system offers an aggressive bonus structure for Mentor and Master TAP teachers and principals. Career Teachers are offered the opportunity to progress in their professional career through advancement through the TAP system, resulting in performance based raises and promotions. Teachers who participate in the TAP system are eligible for career advancement and additional compensation.

GEO Academies, utilizes the TAP framework to promote teacher and student advancement because we believe that regardless of socioeconomic status of our students, they can all achieve at a high level, pursue a four year college degree, and achieve their dreams and goals, regardless of where they live, what color they are, and what their family education level is.